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      Forgotten Man Utd star opens up on how Fergie persuaded him to join Golden Generation and losing bet to Cantona

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      BARCELONA Sporting Director Jordi Cruyff has been looking back on his time at Old Trafford ahead of the first leg of the two clubs’ Europa League clash. The Dutchman signed for Manchester United back in August 1996 for £1.4m having made 41 appearances and scoring 11 goals for the Catalan giants.
      Jordi Cruyff in action for Manchester United in the 1996 Champions LeagueCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Jordi Cruyff of Manchester United in action during a pre-season friendly match against Wigan Athletic in 1999.Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The son of footballing legend Johan Cruyff was at a crossroads in his career, his dad had just been sacked as coach of Barcelona and although he wanted to stay he knew he would be compared to his father.
      The midfielder wasn’t short of options with Atletico Madrid interested and a deal with Ajax was very close until United swooped in.
      Speaking to Marca Cruyff has been looking back on his time with the Old Trafford club.
      He said: “Alex Ferguson travelled to Barcelona accompanied by two senior United leaders.
      “That detail was already very special. He came to my house and convinced me of his project .
      “He had a young team and wanted to recruit more young people. I liked the project, I liked the contract and that he came to my house.”
      At the time it may not have been clear but Cruyff arrived in what would be a golden generation for United culminating with the treble in 1999 although he spent the second half of that season on loan at Celta Vigo.
      Cruyff was surrounded by quality players during his time in Manchester but two that stood out were Eric Cantona and David Beckham.
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      The Dutchman had fond memories of Cantona during their time as team mates.
      He said: “He was the veteran who took care of the young newcomers. Poborsky, Solskjaer and I were a bit lost at first.
      He added: “Well, he came to pick us up at the hotel and when training was over he waited for us and brought us back and so on for a few weeks. I didn’t expect it from a person like that”
      The former Barcelona player also recalls a bet he lost with Cantona.
      He said: “One day, talking about our future, we bet on who would leave United first. I was very clear that it would be me.
      “He, being a god in this club, could stay for the rest of his life. We bet and I lost. I realized then that he had already taken the decision to retire.”
      As well as his ability Cruyff was really impressed by Beckham’s professionalism.
      He said: “Another one who stayed another half hour, three or four times a week, doing exercises to improve.
      “He had talent, yes, but he worked. He had that professional mentality that made him become a star. He was a hard worker.”
      Cruyff, now Barcelona’s sporting adviser, had some words of warning about Old Trafford ahead of the Catalan side’s trip there in the second leg.
      He said: “When you play at Old Trafford you realize that the stadium roars. It’s a cliché, but it’s true; United don’t play with 11, they are 12.”
      He continued: “We’ll see it in the second leg now that the team is improving after difficult years. The fans will not speak in the two days before to have their voices ready and not stop shouting during the game”.
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      Manchester United travel to the Nou Camp for the first leg on Thursday, February 16 with the return leg at Old Trafford on Thursday, February 23. More

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      Man Utd warned about Barcelona’s ‘surprising’ new tactic ahead of Europa League clash in huge style change

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been issued a warning about a “surprising” new tactic being used by Barcelona.The Red Devils travel to the Nou Camp for the first of a two-legged Europa League play-off on Thursday.
      Erik ten Hag takes Manchester United to Barcelona on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      He has been warned about a new ‘surprising’ tactic being used by BarcaCredit: Rex
      Both teams go into the showdown in impressive form.
      United have recorded five wins out of their last six matches while Barcelona are 11 points clear at the top of LaLiga.
      Spanish star Pedri, 20, secured their latest victory as they triumphed 1-0 at Villarreal on Sunday.
      The Yellow Submarine are managed by Quique Setien, who was in charge of the Blaugrana in 2020, and it is he who has highlighted the new tactic being deployed by his old club.
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      Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, he said: “There is something that this Barcelona team has changed a lot, which is without the ball.
      “The data is there, Barcelona are the team that runs the most without the ball.

      “Seems surprising, doesn’t it?”
      Both Pedri and Gavi have played a key role in the resurgence of Barca this term as head coach Xavi puts a greater emphasis on the distance covered by his players and pressing the opposition.
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      He even said that striker Robert Lewandowski is his “first defender” after Sunday’s win.
      And that is something that his United counterpart Erik ten Hag will have to ensure his team are ready to deal with.
      However, Barcelona have suffered one major blow in the build-up to the game.
      Their influential captain and midfield maestro Sergio Busquets has been ruled out of the clash after suffering an ankle injury recently against Sevilla. More

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      Tottenham star Richarlison on Real Madrid’s three-man transfer shortlist as Spanish giants prepare for huge summer spree

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      TOTTENHAM star Richarlison is reportedly on Real Madrid’s transfer shortlist this summer.Carlo Ancelotti managed the Brazilian during his time as Everton manager.
      Real Madrid are looking at a move for Spurs star RicharlisonCredit: AP
      And ESPN claims the four-time Champions League winner is keen on a reunion at Madrid.
      Richarlison, 22, only joined Spurs from Everton last summer for £60million.
      But he has failed to score in 14 league appearances under Antonio Conte.
      And cash-strapped Spurs could be open to negotiating a deal for the right price.
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      Richarlison isn’t the only player on Ancelotti’s shopping list though.
      The tactician would also gladly take Juventus hitman Dusan Vlahovic.
      The Serb’s future has come under the spotlight after his club were hit with a 15-point penalty for financial irregularities.
      Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked, but Real could have edge should they follow up their interest with an offer.
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      Dusan Vlahovic is also on Real’s shortlistCredit: EPA
      The Spaniards are exploring a move for Kingsley ComanCredit: Getty
      The Spanish giants would also like to sign a new wide forward after missing out on PSG’s Kylian Mbappe last year.
      And it’s believed France teammate Kingsley Coman could end up making the move from Bayern Munich.
      He has already starred at PSG and Juventus, and Real Madrid could be the next elite side on his CV.
      Coman could end up replacing Marco Asensio, who is out of contract this summer.
      His future remains unclear, while current back-up striker Mariano is expected to leave. More

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      Man Utd, Liverpool & Newcastle ‘in straight fight for Ruben Neves transfer as Barcelona pull out of race for Wolves ace’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED, Liverpool and Newcastle are reportedly “in a straight fight” to sign Ruben Neves this summer.Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Portuguese midfielder, 25, has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona over recent months.
      Barcelona have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Ruben NevesCredit: Reuters
      However, a fresh report has now claimed that the LaLiga giants have pulled out of the transfer race.
      And now that has left the Premier League trio of United, Liverpool and Newcastle battling it out for his signature.
      Spanish publication Sport reports that Neves’ agent Jorge Mendes met with Barcelona officials last week.
      But he was allegedly informed during the talks that Xavi’s side are prioritising strengthening in other positions.
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      They want to secure the future of veteran Sergio Busquets, who is out of contract, also.
      And even if they fail to do that, the publication claims that Xavi “prefers the profile of another type of midfielder” rather than Neves.
      The ace arrived at Molineux from Porto back in 2017 and has helped the club to consolidate in the Premier League after winning the Championship in his first season there.
      He now has less than 18 months remaining on his contract, and rather than risk losing him for nothing in 2024, Wolves look set to sell this summer.
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      United boss Erik ten Hag has long-been rumoured to be an admirer of the player, as is Kop manager Jurgen Klopp.
      But high-flying Newcastle are the latest team to join the scramble to sign Neves. More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Francis Coquelin stretchered off in tears after horror knee injury leaves him writhing in pain

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      EX-ARSENAL midfielder Francis Coquelin was carried off in tears after collapsing with a horror injury in Villarreal’s 1-0 home defeat against Barcelona.The Frenchman, 31, twisted his knee as he fell awkwardly in Sunday night’s LaLiga clash.

      Francis Coquelin knew straight away he was in serious troubleCredit: .
      Francis Coquelin was carried off after twisting badly as he fellCredit: Getty
      Players from both teams looked shocked as the former Under-21 international writhed in obvious pain.
      He need two minutes of treatment but it was obvious he could not continue.
      And Coquelin was clapped off as he departed on a stretcher with his hands holding his head.
      Villarreal replaced him with Samuel Chukwueze ten minutes before the interval.
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      LaLiga leaders Barca led through Pedri’s brilliant 17th minute opener.
      And they held on comfortably enough to move 11 points clear of Real Madrid.
      Barcelona had started with ex-Arsenal target Franck Kessie and Manchester United’s dream option Frenkie de Jong in midfield, due to an injury for legend Sergio Busquets.
      Ex-Leeds winger Raphinha, who was linked to Old Trafford in the January transfer window, partnered Robert Lewandowski up front.
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      But it was Spain midfielder Pedri who hit the only goal a brilliant team effort.
      Jules Kounde, De Jong and Raphinha helped feed Pedri, who swapped instant passes with Lewandowski before smashing home.
      The extent of Coquelin’s injury remained clear after the final whistle.
      He was with the Gunners from 2008-2018 before joining Villarreal from Valencia three years ago. More

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      Chelsea transfer blow with ‘Real Madrid keeping tabs on Joao Felix in shock raid of rivals Atletico in summer’

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      CHELSEA face missing out on Joao Felix with Real Madrid keeping tabs on the forward, according to reports. After serving a three-game suspension, Felix was back on the pitch for the Blues and had an instant impact.
      Real Madrid are now watching Joao FelixCredit: Getty
      Felix put in a strong performance against West Ham
      The 23-year-old netted a cool opener against West Ham as he volleyed home Enzo Fernandez’s cross.
      Felix impressed throughout the game despite the team ultimately failing to come away with three points.
      And if his good performances are kept up for the rest of the season, Chelsea may pull the trigger to turn his loan move into a permanent one.
      However, the Londoners have now been joined in the race to sign the £124million-rated forward by Real Madrid, according to Fichajes.
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      Los Blancos are fresh off the back of victory at the Club World Cup, beating Al-Hilal 5-3 in a thrilling final.
      But now they are lining up a long-term replacement for Karim Benzema, and have earmarked Felix as one such star.
      Indeed, club president Florentino Perez is said to hold Felix in high esteem and is one of his favoured choices.
      Felix’s future at parent club Atletico Madrid hinges on the fate of Diego Simeone.
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      The under-fire Argentine had a strained relationship with Felix ahead of his loan transfer.
      Following the 1-1 draw at West Ham, Felix issued a rallying cry for his team-mates, saying the club MUST win the Champions League.
      Ahead of the midweek clash against Borussia Dortmund, Felix told Chelsea club media: “We have to focus on the next game. The most important game is next, always.
      “It’s the Champions League, that’s the competition we want to win so it starts on Wednesday and it needs to be ours.” More

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      Man Utd flop Bebe shows Red Devils fans what they’re missing as he scores screamer for new club

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      FORMER Manchester United star Bebe scored a goal of the season contender during Saturday’s Segunda Division clash with Alaves.Real Zaragoza were losing the match 3-0 when the winger, 32, produced a moment of magic in the 79th minute.

      Bebe scored an excellent goal from long rangeCredit: YouTube / LaLiga SmartBank
      His shot flew into the top right cornerCredit: YouTube / LaLiga SmartBank
      After receiving the ball in midfield, Bebe brushed aside his marker before unleashing a powerful strike into the top right corner from 30 yards out.
      Fans took to Twitter to react, with one person writing: “He is from another planet!”
      Another added: “This guy’s shot is amazing…”
      While a third said: “If Bebe had been loaned out in August, he himself would have been capable of doing what no one has done in the last 15 years: putting Real Zaragoza where it deserves, in the elite.”
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      Bebe was loaned out by Rayo Vallecano to Real Zaragoza at the end of the January transfer window.
      Since joining the club he has scored two goals in two appearances.
      Last week, he scored a 93rd minute winner for Zaragoza on his debut before receiving a yellow card for over-celebrating.
      Bebe joined Man Utd from Vitoria de Guimaraes in 2010 and netted two goals in seven first team appearances.
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      But, after just one season in England he was loaned out to Turkish giants Besiktas.
      He then spent two more season-long loan spells with Rio Ave and Pacos de Ferreira respectively before signing a permanent deal with Benfica in 2014.
      The winger has since played for Cordoba, Eibar, Rayo Vallecano and Real Zaragoza, where he will remain until June. More

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      Real Madrid ‘want Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to replace Carlo Ancelotti’ and hope Bellingham transfer will convince him

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      REAL MADRID are reportedly keen to make Jurgen Klopp their next manager.And the Spanish giants hope signing Jude Bellingham will convince the German to swap Anfield for the Bernabeu.
      Jurgen Klopp is struggling at Liverpool after a stellar seven-year stintCredit: Alamy
      Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid sit eight points adrift of Barcelona in LaLigaCredit: Getty
      Klopp, 55, extended his deal with the Merseyside outfit in April last year as he agreed to remain in charge until 2026.
      But Liverpool have dropped off significantly this season following a dreadful run of form.
      The Reds sit 10th in the Premier League table as the pressure continues to ramp up on Klopp.
      And while his seven-year stint at the club leaves him with a huge amount of credit in the bank, he could still be approaching the end of his Anfield reign.
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      According to El Nacional, Klopp leaving Liverpool would see Real Madrid swoop in for the former Borussia Dortmund coach.
      Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti has a contract to keep him in the Spanish capital until the end of the 2023/24 season.
      But with Real trailing Barcelona by eight points in LaLiga, a campaign without major silverware – excluding the Club World Cup – would likely see Ancelotti depart.
      And president Florentino Perez has always been an admirer of Klopp – who has worked wonders at Mainz, Dortmund and Liverpool.
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      It is being reported they would attempt to sign both Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe in a bid to drag Klopp to the Bernabeu.
      Bellingham, 19, valued at more than £100million, has been heavily linked with a move to one of Europe’s giants.
      Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are all thought to be interested in the England international.
      He is expected to leave Dortmund this summer after three years at the club – where he has contributed 20 goals and 24 assists in 117 games.
      And Klopp is a big fan of the teenage midfielder – who increased his price tag after a sensational World Cup.
      Mbappe, 24, is another player Klopp is reportedly interested in.
      The French superstar’s PSG future has been called into question after the Ligue 1 champions reportedly agreed to let him go in October.
      He only signed a new deal last summer to keep him in Paris until 2025, but could still leave at the end of the season if Real stump up the cash. More